Hi, this is Dr, Ajay. In the previous video, I talked to you about diagnosis of HIV and the various tests that are done. I also spoke briefly about HIV. In this video, I would be talking more about HIV treatment, its side effects and the follow up of the patient.

So once the patient is diagnosed with HIV, we subject the patient for further screening of CD4 viral load. The latest guidelines of DHHS and WHO state that you do nt have t wait for the CD4 count to drop. That means, if the patient is HIV+ , you can straight away start HIV treatment without waiting for the CD4 counts. So, after the patient is prepared for the treatment, the counseling is done where we have to assess the patient whether he is ready to start the treatment. You have to do preparedness counseling. We usually start the 3 Drug Regimen which is very popularly known as Combined Antiretroviral Treatment. Once we start the treatment we also monitor the patient for the side effects of the treatment because not all ART medicines are free of side effects. We choose the regimen which has the least side effect.

So for examples, if the patient is on Ziloudine, we monitor the patient for any signs of anemia, weakness, fatigue or nausea. Some patients develop loss of fat which we call lypotrophy and lypodystrophy. Then there are other side effects like Skinofovea causes renal kidney dysfunction, retardation of kidney function. Like this, we monitor the patient. Some people taking Adesanovith can develop yellowish discoloration of eyes. So, we tailor make the medicine to suit the patient. When we start the patient on antiretroviral treatment, on every follow up we insist the patient to take the medicines regularly because adherence is the most important step in the success of antiretroviral medicine. The tests that we do in the follow up are again the baseline function like the liver function, kidney function and we also assess the CD4 viral load at the end of 6 months.

So, by doing these tests, we will know whether the patient is responding to treatment or not. We will also know whether the patient is developing any side-effects to the treatment or not. By this monitoring at every step, we also counsel the patient for adherence. Taking ART treatment also helps in preventing the HIV transmission. For example, if a patient in a couple in HIV positive that is only husband is positive and wife is negative or vice versa, what we call discarded couple, in them if one of the patients is taking antiretroviral treatment, by decreasing the viral load to undetectable levels, we can also prevent the transmission of HIV from one partner to the other but we also recommend the patient to use condom.

There is an option of taking HIV medicine for preventing HIV, what we call as pre-exposure profile axis and post-exposure of profile axis. Here, if a patient accidentally has a needle exposure through an HIV positive patient or if the patient has any sexual exposure, then immediately after the exposure he can take medicines within 72 hours. By taking these medicines for 28 days, he can prevent HIV transmission. This is what we call as post-exposure profile axis. Then there is another entity called pre-exposure profile axis wherein if the patient is getting involved in high-risk activity like for instance, most of the sexual workers unknowingly meet many partners. So to avoid getting HIV infection, they can take preventive treatment which is again taken for 28 days to prevent HIV transmission.

You can always consult me through lybrate or directly in my clinic at Hyderabad, Narayanguda. Thank you.

This is Dr. Ajay. Last time I spoke to you about HIV the symptoms, the staging and how to identify the patient with HIV phase down symptoms. So today in this video I will be discussing more about how to diagnose the patient with HIV.

What are the tests available? What are the treatment options available? And how to prevent HIV?

So when we come across the patient with HIV the only way we can diagnose the patient with HIV is by doing blood test. There are different kinds of blood tests available. They can be from the tests that detect the antibodies for HIV. There are tests to detect the antigens on HIV like P-24. Then there are tests to detect the virus itself like PCR. So when a patient is exposed the HIV positive patient either sexually or through injections. Then the patient develops antibodies in his body. So these antibodies take at least three to six months’ time to develop. So in this duration which is called as window period. In this period we won’t be able to detect antibodies. So all the tests like Elisa, Tridot, and Western blot. These tests won’t be able to pick up the patient’s window period when the antibodies are not there. So if you want to detect the antibodies you need to wait for three months or three to six months after exposure.

So if you can’t wait for three to six months you can do the other tests which can pick up the virus directly. So once we diagnose the patient with HIV then the next step would be to monitor the disease I mean how to stage the patient. So because HIV damages the immune system. So there are the tests which can assess the immune system of the patient so these tests are called cd4 count and viral load. CD-4 is nothing but it is a sub site of T-cell. So the normal CD count for a patient would range from 500-1500 which is a normal range. The other test which is available is viral load. The viral load is nothing but it detects how many viral copies are present in the body. After diagnosing the patient with HIV. The next step would be to start the treatment. So the treatment what we give for HIV is what we call is antiretroviral treatment or ART. ART is the most popular treatment available for treatment and in this ART there are different medicines available.

The most important thing which determines is the CD-count and the viral load. So before we start the antiretroviral treatment we assess the patient. First we counsel the patient whether the patient is prepared to start the treatment or not. Then we also rule out the other opportunistic infections. Because patients who have HIV already have other opportunistic infections. So before you start the antiretroviral treatment you need to assess whether the patient is having any opportunistic infection. You have to rule out those then you also have to assess the baseline function of the patient like whether the patient is having any liver abnormalities or if the patient is having normal liver function, normal kidney function and we also have to do the complete blood picture.

So if the patient is having all the parameters normal and if the patient is not having any opportunistic infection. Then we do preparedness counselling for the patient that is when we start the treatment. So before we start the treatment we see the CD-4 count. Now previously the guideline was to depend on the CD-4 count. They use to start the treatment when the CD-4 count is low but now the guidelines say that HIV treatment can be started irrespective of the CD-4 count.

So this is all about HIV treatment and in the subsequent video I will be talking more about the HIV treatment and I would like to thank lybrate and if you want to consult me you can consult me through lybrate or you can directly walk in or take an appointment and meet me at my clinic at Narayanguda.

Hello, I am Dr. Ajay Kumar. I have done my diploma in medicine and also done my fellowship in HIV from CMC Vellore. So today I am going to talk about HIV.

What are the symptoms of HIV, how it is transmitted and also about the diagnosis of HIV? HIV is a retrovirus which is transmitted sexually. Apart from the sexual contact which is the most common mode of transmission, there are other modes of transmission for HIV like it can be transmitted through injections, through blood transfusions or by contaminated instruments or through mother to a child also it can be transmitted. And also it can be transmitted breast feeding. I will be just showing the short video how the virus affects the cells in the body. This is a virus, HIV virus immunodeficiency virus, which infects all the cells in our body. It especially affects the CD4 cells which are responsible for the immunity of a person. Once the virus enters the cell it will multiply. It will first replicate from RNA becomes DNA, and this DNA virus which then copies itself to our nucleus and then it starts multiplying. So over a period of time, these cells start multiplying and will be affecting so many cells, all the cells like Red blood cells, White blood cells, and other platelets. So the patient will have multiple immune deficiencies. So you can see here how the virus is replicating itself after every minute some thousands of viruses will be affecting these cells and within a short span of time new virus copies will be released. So these virus copies again will be affecting other cells and again they will be multiplying in those cells.

So here we can see the virus which has infected us come out, new more copies have produced. So once the virus infects the cells it starts killing the cells and the patient’s immunity will be gradual will be decreasing so then the patient will complain of the symptoms. So what are the symptoms of HIV? In generally in initial stages, patients will not have any symptoms. Patients will be absolutely a symptomized. Later on, when the patient’s immunity declines than the patients complain of some fatigue and they will complain of weakness. Then, later on, the patient might complain of fever, cough and the virus because it affects so many organs so the symptom will depend on the organ of infection. Suppose for instance when the patient is having a lung problem, like for instance the patient because of low immunity if he gets infected with some lung infection he will be presenting with a cough, shortness of breath or fever. Like for instance if the patient is getting any a headache or the patient is having some infections in the brain he can present like with a headache, it can present like with seizures like fits or it can present with loss of consciousness. Likewise, if the patient is having symptoms in the stomach like sometimes patient against of loose motions, vomiting then we might suspect that the patient is having some abdominal infection. So depending upon the organ of infection the patient might complain about various symptoms. So there is no symptom which is very specific to HIV but depending upon the organ of infection the symptoms might vary.

So WHO has given staging of HIV? Basically, there are four stages of HIV according to WHO-

In the first stage, the patients will be completely asymptomatic. They won’t have any symptoms.

When they come to the second stage they will develop some minute skin infections like for instance proretipeplamatitions what we call. Patients complain of itching and sometimes the state develops skin reactions. This patient has come up with Herpes reaction. Likewise, some patients might develop skin reactions like if the patient is having herpes which is very common in HIV. So when the patients enter into stage two they will be developing all these kind of skin problems.

When the patient is not taking any treatment, adequate oral treatment then the patient enters into stage three. In stage three what happens a patient develops a lung infection, they can develop diarrhea, and they can develop loss of weight more than 10percent. They will be having a prolonged fever of more than one month, prolonged diarrhea of one month. Sometimes the patient can develop oral infections like oral candidiasis which is very common in HIV patients. You see this picture the patient is having a severe oral infection in the mouth.

Likewise, if the patient is not taking any treatment even at this stage the patient enters to stage four for what is we call as AIDS, AIDS stage that is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. In this syndrome the patient will be developing all late complications of HIV like patients can develop severe nemesis pneumonia where the patient will have severe breathlessness, won’t be able to sit comfortably without taking oxygen, supplemental oxygen or the if the patient is developing some abdominal TB, the patient can present with severe abdominal distension and patient can develop severe diarrhea. Likewise, if the patient can develop multiple malignancies like cot skin lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma. These malignancies can affect any part of the body. They are especially a prediction for the brain. Once the patient develops malignancies it’s almost in a very late stage. So by seeing the symptoms also, you can tell what the patient is in. So these are all the symptoms seen in HIV and complications.

So in the next video, we will be talking more about the complications of HIV, how to diagnose HIV and how to treat HIV and what are prevention steps that can be taken to prevent HIV. I am thankful to Lybrate for providing me this opportunity to reach patients all over India.

If you want to contact, you can contact me at Sriniwasa Hospital at Narayanguda. It is beside Deepak Theatre in Hyderabad. You can contact me through Lybrate or my website www.hivaidsclinic.in. Thank you.

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Kunjala

May 22, 2017

It was a bad case of diabetes. He is not just friendly, but also is very motivating. I have had therdiabetes from quite some time. I read about the Ajay Kumar Pujala on one of the social media platform. The staff was very attentive to my needs. I am almost my normal self post the treatment and for that my Ajay Kumar Pujala is the reason. In the very first sitting, Ajay Kumar Pujala clearly told us the problem and the what the treatment procedure will be in future.

Agniprava

Apr 9, 2017

I am so thankful to Dr Ajay Kumar for giving the best advice . My premature had eye related issue for which the doctor suggested ROP. This treatment benefitted to the best and now my child is perfectly normal. I was in so much pain due to my child's illness but the doctor helped us the best. Ajay Kumar Pujala has in depth knowledge and ensures that he explains the problem in detail. The overall atmosphere in his Clinic is very soothing.

Samin

May 28, 2017

Even though Dr Pujala is not from our city, he is still very famous, so we consulted him. He never gets frustrated, even when I ask a number of queries. In the very first sitting, Ajay Kumar Pujala clearly told us the problem and the what the treatment procedure will be in future. The symptoms were severe and unmanageable, as I was suffering from premature ejaculation, but Dr Pujala was able to handle it.

Ramanuj

May 10, 2017

I am so much benefitted with his treatment, that i am perfectly fine now. Even though there was a long queue, still the staff was very pleasant. Ajay Kumar Pujala has so much knowledge that for everything my family takes his reference. It was so quite pleasant in the Dr AJAY'S CLINIC. The neck pain was increasing day by day. He is not just friendly, but also is very motivating.

Sanshray

Jun 4, 2017

It was getting very difficult for me to cope us with my typhoid. Dr Ajay ensures that he gives enough time to each patient. During the complete typhoid treatment program he always supported and motivated me. With great ease he explained us the problem and how the treatment will be carried out. I am so happy that I chose him for my treatment as now I am perfectly fine.

Veera

May 28, 2016

I was beyond impressed with my experience at this doctor’s office. @My first contact I was completely blown away by how helpful and kind he was and how fast he was at getting back to me!
Now on to the appointment… my appointment ran on time, Dr Ajay was really knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable throughout the appointment! I would highly recommend him

Montesh

May 22, 2017

I was suffering from fever from quite long. After getting treated with one doctor, I started experiencing the same again. Atlast I chose to consult Dr Kumar, he is a general physician. He gave me some tips so that I can stay healthy, also he gave me some medicines which overall were beneficial for me. I thank him. He is like a God send person for me.

Surabhi

Jul 4, 2017

Never thought I will suffer from something stomach pain like this. My previous experiences were not so good, but Dr Ajay has completely changed my opinion as he is very helpful and humble. He is well aware about innovative techniques to treat problems. The entire experience of undergoing stomach pain treatment was very relaxing.

Kshipva

Apr 25, 2017

Dr Ajay Kumar is a very practical doctor. His guidance for headache issue has helped me immensely to deal with m situation. The overall atmosphere in the DR AJAY'S CLINIC is very soothing. The lab in the DR AJAY'S CLINIC was very clean and well managed.

Lewis

May 28, 2016

Dr. Kumar is a highly knowledgeable, friendly and professional Doctor. He treats all his patients with respect and makes himself easily available to discuss any treatment plans that his patients are on or are interested in finding more information about.

Seshu

May 28, 2016

Dr.ajaykumar is well experience and good doctor.the time he spends with patients is remarkable.explains the total line of treatment to the patients and to the attenders also.he is a superb doc I have ever seen.long live Dr.ajaykumar

Emmanuel Williams

Sep 13, 2016

I found the answers provided by the Dr. Ajay Kumar Pujala to be very helpful. Share feedback in your own words...

Ilango

Sep 15, 2016

I found the answers provided by the Dr. Ajay Kumar Pujala to be very helpful. Share feedback in your own words...

Vijaykanth

Jul 30, 2017

Good information Dr said Don't worry but still I m worry so dr said go test virus test . Given waiting for 2days

Verified

Sep 3, 2018

It was nice...

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AIDS also termed as Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome is a serious condition affecting people worldwide. Caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the retrovirus is known to attack the CD-4 cells (T-cells) wreaking havoc on the immune system. As a result, the body's ability to fight various diseases (including the HIV infection) gets affected.

An important point to be noted is that HIV infections do not always result in AIDS. The virus triggers an HIV Infection that gradually develops into AIDS. In fact, an HIV infected person can lead a normal life (AIDS do not occur) through timely diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will discuss the essential steps that can play a pivotal role in HIV prevention.

HIV and AIDS Prevention
For an effective preventive measure, one should first understand the mode of spread of the HIV infection and AIDS.

For the transmission of the HIV infection, certain fluids such as the semen, vaginal secretions, or the blood of the infected person must enter the body of a healthy person. This transmission can take place in many ways, the most common of which include:

Transfusion of the infected blood into a healthy person.

Having unprotected sex with an HIV infected person.

From the infected mother to the fetus or from the lactating mother to the baby (through breastfeeding).

Sharing of needles can also play a pivotal role in the transmission of the HIV infection.

Having mentioned the various modes of transmission of the HIV infection, a little alertness and certain precautionary measures can work wonders to prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease.

No matter how much you trust and love your partner, never go for unprotected sex. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, condom also acts as a protective shield safeguarding one from the HIV infection and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Also if you are suffering from HIV infection or AIDS, make sure your partner knows about the same. Keeping them in the dark will only complicate things further.

It is a safe practice to get the donor blood tested before a transfusion.

Always ensure that the needle you are using is new or properly sterilized.

A pregnant woman should be extra careful. A small negligence can cause her and the baby dearly. Be in regular touch with your attending physician and get all the necessary medications and treatments done.

For some people who are more susceptible to the HIV infection, a drug known as TRUVADA ( a combination of emtricitabine-tenofovir) can be highly effective. However, the drug is not advisable for people with Hepatitis B or renal problems. A person already HIV- infected may also not benefit from this drug.

An HIV- infected should undergo regular health checkups and screenings to avoid any further complications and aggravation of the condition.

An HIV or AIDS patient is a normal human being like us. Don't isolate them or treat them as untouchables. Let them also live with dignity and pride. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

People who have the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly known as 'HIV', are known as HIV positive people. The virus is the agent of AIDS that is currently incurable. HIV is known to alter the human immune system and makes people much more susceptible and vulnerable to diseases and infections. Body fluids such as semen, blood, breast milk, vaginal fluids etc. of an infected individual contains the virus which can be passed from one person to another during blood-to-blood and/or sexual contact. HIV positive women may even pass on this virus to their children during pregnancy, delivery or by breast feeding them. HIV is also transmitted during oral, anal or vaginal sex, by contaminated hypodermic needles and by blood transfusion. Mentioned below are a few issues that a HIV positive woman has to face apart from discrimination and stigma, fear of infecting their children or partners, violence and abandonment.

Menstrual Disorders: Changes in menstrual cycles are frequently reported by HIV infected women. However, menstrual dysfunctions are due to varied reasons that aren't directly related to the disease. Although most of the HIV positive women suffer from amenorrhea i.e. the unusual absence of periods, it is not just due to HIV but also because of weight loss or immunosuppression.

Contraception: It is very important that the contraception a HIV positive woman chooses not only acts as birth control but also to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Although condoms do not provide exceptional pregnancy prevention, they are excellent at preventing transmission of the HIV virus. Permanent sterilization is usually the most chosen contraceptive method for HIV serodiscordant couples.

Surgical Complications: HIV positive women are at a higher risk of undergoing gynecologic surgery. This is because they are more vulnerable to pelvic infectious disease that requires surgical intervention. There is also a greater risk of developing vulval cancer in HIV positive women.

Fertility: There has been an increase in the number of seropositive women contemplating pregnancy and childbirth. Most couples resort to assisted reproduction to lower the risk of horizontal HIV transmission. Studies show that undergoing HIV treatment and having an undetectable viral load is helpful in preventing the transmission of HIV. It is important to consult a medical expert if you are unable to get pregnant after at least 6 months of trying. Fertility problems are more common in HIV positive women than HIV negative women.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

HIV infection and AIDS (commonly referred to as HIV/AIDS) are caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is transmitted sexually and through exchange of body fluids, such as blood. The HIV attacks our defense system (immune system) giving opportunity to many illnesses to attack the body. These infections (called opportunistic infections) range from common cold and diarrhea to life-threatening illnesses including uncommon pneumonias and cancers. The type, range and intensity of opportunistic infections vary with the severity of the HIV infection and the extent to which our immunity is compromised.

AIDS is the last stage disorder of the HIV infection. Though there is no complete cure for the HIV-infection till date - despite thousands of scientists across the world working on it, spending countless hours of research involving billions of dollars - there has been tremendous progress in medicare improving the quality of life of the HIV-infected, in extending their life-span to almost normal levels and in preventing mother-child transmission.

The key factors in extending the life-span, and in keeping good immunity and good health are

The last one involves maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding smoking (active as well as passive), alcohol, recreational drugs, unhygienic and disease-prone environments and sedentary life style. Those who follow these will guidelines certainly have better prognoses.

Diet:

A nutritious diet is of utmost importance to the HIV-infected, as adequate nutrition contributes to the development of the immune system, prevents malnutrition and wasting, achieves and maintains optimal body weight and strength, enhances the body’s ability to fight opportunistic infections, helps delay the progression of HIV, improves the effectiveness of drug treatments, and improves the quality of life.

Ensure that the food contains adequate macronutrients, that is, carbohydrates, proteins and fat, otherwise the patient may end up with - protein-energy malnutrition, manifesting itself in the weight loss and wasting that is typical of AIDS patients.

As per WHO, an HIV-infected person has additional nutrient requirements: 10-15 percent additional energy intake and 50 to 100 percent increase in protein intake as compared to a non HIV-infected person.

Consuming micronutrients (especially Vitamins A, B6 and B12, iron and zinc) is important for building a strong immune system and fighting infections.

Try and maintain a daily diet containing rice/roti, vegetables, legumes, and fruits which provide you energy and micronutrients. Choose foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.

Eat at least two servings of fish each week. Oily fish, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, are best. If you cannot eat fish, you can also get omega-3 fats from omega-3 eggs, walnuts, flax seeds.

Stress is a major factor that leads to various complications in most of the health conditions. Hence, it is essential to deal with stress because doctors emphasize that if you can manage your stress, then you are already halfway through the treatment. But with HIV building up in your body it can be challenging to stay stress-free.

Effect of stress on HIV patients
Evidence has been found after extensive research that death may increase at times by 22% when an HIV patient starts taking lots of stress. So you can guess from the number what a huge impact stress has on HIV. Some other studies had brought to light a different angle of the effect caused by stress on HIV. It is said that the CD4 count and viral load increases by many folds in patients who have HIV and are under stressful conditions which have made them fall into the clutches of depression.

Steps that can be taken to curb stress-

As the first step, you must identify the reasons or factors that are leading you to take the stress. These factors may be straightforward ones and something from your day-to-day activities. For instance, some might feel depressed about consuming too many medicines for HIV on a daily basis while some others might feel stress out because of the financial strain imposed by the disease. Sometimes the stress results from emotional reasons like departing from a loved one or being separated from the mainstream life.

Once you have identified the reason behind your stress, you must put in some effort to get back to your daily routine and make your day organized. Mostly, it happens that people tend to extend their hours of regular activities and mess up with their biological clock. This should be avoided. Always keep fixed hours for your sleep, work and other activities. Add appropriate physical activities and proper diet to your routine which will help with your general health and help with managing stress.

You must also learn to handle your emotions. Seek help in this case by attending counseling sessions with trained professional, especially when it comes to managing your sex life. Talk to your doctor and get all your questions answered because sometimes lack of knowledge leads to the development of doubts which lead to anxiety and then depression. And most importantly, spend time with your loved ones to obtain complete stress relief. This is one of the best methods to have a positive outlook on life while suffering from HIV.

So, while under treatment for HIV make an effort to avoid stress entirely to improve the situation. Follow the advice of your doctor, take the necessary medications and adopt lifestyle changes to lead a happy life.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a type of immune disorder which attacks the immune system of the body and slowly destroys it overtime. The HIV virus targets the immune system and makes the body susceptible to other diseases. HIV infection can progress to AIDS although it may take up to 10 or 12 years to fully go into the last stage.

Risks and Causes
HIV is a communicable disease which spreads through only the following methods

It can spread from one person to another by means of unprotected sexual intercourse due to the exchange of bodily fluids.

The virus spreads if you share drug needles with someone who is already contaminated with HIV virus. It can also occur due to improperly trained medical staff that may reuse syringes although this is very uncommon.

The HIV virus transmits from the mother to the child during pregnancy through the placenta.

Any exchange of blood in significant amounts such as blood transfusion from a contaminated patient will result in infection as well although this is very rare.

Any other form of contracting the disease such as through kissing or food is a untrue and only propagates due to ignorance.

Symptoms
The initial symptoms of HIV infection are noticed after a few weeks although it can take a few months to come up as well. The initial symptoms may include

Severe headache along with intense pain in the muscles and the joints of the body.

Disorders which stay for sustained periods such as an upset stomach or a cold.

The early symptoms disappear within 2 to 3 weeks without any treatment. The later symptoms might appear after few years (sometimes up to or more than a decade), which will stay. This is usually the time HIV is diagnosed. The symptoms now may also include

A STD is transmitted by means of physical intimate contact and intercourse. These diseases are caused by parasites, virus or bacteria. Usually STDs are preventable provided you make the right choices concerning your sexual health. Refraining from sex isn’t a feasible idea at all. But fortunately there are alternatives too to curb the menace that STDs are:

Mutual monogamy: Two people who have sex only with one another don’t have any opportunity to bring a new STD into the relationship. If you and your partner have been tested and are healthy, remaining faithful to each other is a very good way to reduce your chances of contracting an STD.

Get Vaccinated: One important prevention tool against STIs is vaccination. Currently, vaccines are available to protect against infection with HPV, hepatitis A and B. Talk to your healthcare provider to see which vaccines might be recommended for you.

Protect Yourself: Condoms work really well in stopping most STIs from being passed from an infected partner to another when they are used consistently and correctly every time a person has oral, vaginal or anal sex. Consistently and correctly means that a person makes sure they use a condom every time they have oral, vaginal or anal sex and put it on and use it the right way.

Avoid alcohol and drug use: Avoiding alcohol and recreational drug use reduces the risk of contracting an STI, having an unwanted pregnancy, or being coerced to have sex. Alcohol and drug use can reduce our ability to make good decisions. It may also make us more likely to be talked into into participating in an activity without being able to give our full consent.

Consider male circumcision: There's evidence that male circumcision can help reduce a man's risk of acquiring HIV from an infected woman (heterosexual transmission) by as much as 60 percent. Male circumcision may also help prevent transmission of genital HPV and genital herpes.

Coping and Support

It's traumatic to find out you have an STI. You might be angry if you feel you've been betrayed or ashamed if there's a chance you infected others. At worst, an STI can cause chronic illness and death, even with the best care in the world. Between those extremes is a host of other potential losses is trust between partners, plans to have children and the joyful embrace of your sexuality and its expression. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.

What are STDs?
STDs or STIs are infections that are caused by intimate contact that involves exchange of bodily fluids. These are also called venereal diseases and can be caused by vaginal, anal or oral sex. Most of these infections do not show any symptom initially, but they develop over time. The causative organisms can include viruses, bacteria or parasites. The signs and symptoms can be in the form of unnatural vaginal discharges, or penile discharges, or warts and ulcers in the pelvic area.

It is a very serious disease as some of those are not curable, such as HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis-B. Other diseases may include gonorrhoea, syphilis, Chlamydia etc. While there surrounds a stigma around STDs and people may feel ashamed to even go forward to ask for any help, there is nothing to be ashamed of and it is the best to seek medical attention when you feel you may have contracted a STD.

But as we know, prevention is always better than cure. Here is a list of tips that might help you prevent it in the first place:

Prevention: It is actually the cure to some diseases such as HIV and herpes

Vaccines: It can prevent you from concurring diseases such as Hepatitis- A and Hepatitis-B. It is advised to get yourself vaccinated before sexual contact to prevent the disease.

Anti-microbials: Anti-microbials such as Nonoxynol-9 can be used in the vagina to prevent any sort of venereal disease. However, the efficacy of the anti-microbials may vary depending on the efficiency in application and the type of micro-organism.

Condoms: Female or male condoms can help to prevent venereal diseases tremendously. They help to prevent the interaction of body fluids by keeping a barrier between if used properly. Otherwise the uncovered will still be susceptible to infection.

Ways to use a male condom properly:

Never reuse a condom

Always keep a certain space on the tip of the condom for the ejaculation, as it may reduce the incidence of it bursting

Be careful with the condom, if your nails are long

Flavoured condoms should only be used for oral sex as the sugar in the condoms can cause yeast infections, if used in the vagina

Do not wear the condom if it is too loose, it can come off

If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a general physician.

HIV/AIDS is a type of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) which is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to other diseases. AIDS is the last stage of the HIV infection; HIV takes about 10 to 12 years to fully culminate into AIDS. AIDS completely destroys the immune system and leads to fatal health conditions and diseases such as cancers and other infections because of AIDS.

Causes-

HIV is a retrovirus that infects the vital organs of the human immune system. The virus progresses in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The rate of virus progression varies widely between individuals and depends on many factors (age of the patient, body’s ability to defend against HIV, access to healthcare, existence of coexisting infections, the infected person’s genetic inheritance, resistance to certain strains of HIV).

HIV can be transmitted through:

Sexual Transmission. It can happen when there is contact with infected sexual secretions. This can happen while having unprotected sex, including vaginal, oral and anal sex or sharing sex toys with someone infected with HIV.

Perinatal Transmission. The mother can pass the infection on to her child during childbirth, pregnancy, and also through breastfeeding.

Blood Transmission. The risk of transmitting HIV through blood transfusion is nowadays extremely low in developed countries, thanks to meticulous screening and precautions. Among drug users, sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood is extremely hazardous.

Contrary to popular belief, HIV can never spread by means of kissing as the virus cannot survive outside the body.

Symptoms-

The early symptoms of HIV appear within a few weeks of contamination by the virus. The early symptoms include headache, pain in the muscles and the joints, rashes and inflated lymph nodes. These symptoms tend to disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.

The next set of symptoms might appear after a few years and these are persistent. The symptoms include, but are not limited to fatigue, loss of body weight, inflated lymph nodes, fever, a sensation of numbness near the limbs, pain when you try to swallow, sores in the mouth and sweating at night.

If you are diagnosed with HIV, you should:

Try to maintain a daily diet containing vegetables, legumes, and fruits which provide you energy.

HIV/AIDS is a type of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) which is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to other diseases. AIDS is the last stage of the HIV infection; HIV takes about 10 to 12 years to fully culminate into AIDS. AIDS completely destroys the immune system and leads to fatal health conditions and diseases such as cancers and other infections because of AIDS.

Causes-

HIV is a retrovirus that infects the vital organs of the human immune system. The virus progresses in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The rate of virus progression varies widely between individuals and depends on many factors (age of the patient, body’s ability to defend against HIV, access to healthcare, existence of coexisting infections, the infected person’s genetic inheritance, resistance to certain strains of HIV).

HIV can be transmitted through:

Sexual Transmission. It can happen when there is contact with infected sexual secretions. This can happen while having unprotected sex, including vaginal, oral and anal sex or sharing sex toys with someone infected with HIV.

Perinatal Transmission. The mother can pass the infection on to her child during childbirth, pregnancy, and also through breastfeeding.

Blood Transmission. The risk of transmitting HIV through blood transfusion is nowadays extremely low in developed countries, thanks to meticulous screening and precautions. Among drug users, sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood is extremely hazardous.

Contrary to popular belief, HIV can never spread by means of kissing as the virus cannot survive outside the body.

Symptoms-

The early symptoms of HIV appear within a few weeks of contamination by the virus. The early symptoms include headache, pain in the muscles and the joints, rashes and inflated lymph nodes. These symptoms tend to disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.

The next set of symptoms might appear after a few years and these are persistent. The symptoms include, but are not limited to fatigue, loss of body weight, inflated lymph nodes, fever, a sensation of numbness near the limbs, pain when you try to swallow, sores in the mouth and sweating at night.

If you are diagnosed with HIV, you should:

Try to maintain a daily diet containing vegetables, legumes, and fruits which provide you energy.